Swedish medtech start-up Capitainer has closed a share issue of SEK 31 million to roll out its new qDBS dried blood spot testing system.

Led by Sciety the target was reached almost immediately after the pitch, primarily attracting both existing and new industry specialist investors. The investment comes as Capitainer anticipates a major increase in demand for dried blood spot sampling for antibody testing to confirm COVID-19 vaccine efficacy. Funds will be used to ramp up production capacity and build a European sales and marketing network.

“The investment comes as Capitainer anticipates a major increase in demand for dried blood spot sampling for antibody testing to confirm COVID-19 vaccine efficacy.”

“We are delighted to have secured such strong support from experienced medtech and diagnostics industry investors in this latest round. We believe qDBS provides a solution to the challenge of mass population sample collection to assess the efficacy of the various vaccines now being introduced to generate antibodies against the corona virus,” says Ernst Westman, Capitainer Chairman.

The qDBS system

Capitainer’s qDBS system, already shown in a scientific study for Covid-19 antibody testing to deliver accuracy, helps patients to collect their own volume defined dried blood spot at home. The patented smart chip ensures exact sample volumes of 10ul with low CV, independent of haemocrit. Patients place their finger with a small droplet of blood over the inlet port on the qDBS card which automatically fills a microchannel with the required amount and discards any excess. The potential for human error is thus completely eliminated, states the company. Subsequently, the blood volume contained in the microchannel automatically transfers to the specimen collection membrane, forming a high-quality dried blood spot sample, preserved for quantitative bioanalysis. The filled card can then be safely transported to the point of testing without the need for refrigeration or specialized packaging.

“A growing number of experts agree that fast and accurate home or workplace self-sampling has a vital role to play in dealing with the pandemic.”

“This funding will enable us to seize the opportunity to demonstrate the utility of qDBS that COVID-19 has presented. A growing number of experts agree that fast and accurate home or workplace self-sampling has a vital role to play in dealing with the pandemic,” says Christopher Aulin, CEO, Capitainer.

Photo: Capitainer